SCRIPTURE: Acts 4:18-37
OBSERVATION:
Peter and John cannot be silent because what they have seen and heard is so overwhelming and powerful. While in the past they had been afraid, now they are confident witnesses – nothing will silence them!
Interestingly the believers do not pray for protection from their enemies but for greater boldness and power… and God gives it to them, the whole building shakes!
Their faith was not an escape from reality, a dreamy, pie-in-the-sky experience that made them no worldly good; their faith transformed their relationships, and they became a community of love, charity and encouragement.
APPLICATION:
Part of the reason I am hesitant to speak boldly of my faith is because I am not certain and what I have seen and heard. My experience of the resurrection seems shallow and weak, I long to experience it more!
Often I am more inclined to pray for protection or healing or success, rather than for the kind of boldness and power that will only get me into more trouble. They did not run from trouble, they asked for power to face it and overcome it!
Am I spending too much time meditating and preparing sermons and doing Bible Stud, while ignoring the needs and opportunities that are all around me? Maybe the Lord is calling me to become a “son of encouragement”.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to experience You in such a life-changing way that I too will pray for boldness, and will demonstrate the life of grace and power that these early believers demonstrated. Amen.
The stand Peter and John had for Christ Jesus had not only effect upon the Sanhedrin but also on the locals for they too were praising God. When released, they went to their friends and reported all what had happened. They ALL raised their voices TOGETHER in prayer – unity. After their prayer God showed His presence and they were all filled by His Holy Spirit. All the believers were of one mind and heart and they shared their possessions so that no one had a need. That’s encouragement.
Lord, help me in my daily stand to stand for Jesus. Help me to boldly proclaim Your name wherever I am. All too often I am ashamed of the Gospel and do not speak up in my daily situations. Empower me also with Your Spirit. Let It be my driving force from day to day. Help me also to be an encourager to all those who proclaim the Good News. Help all the peoples be of one mind and thought so that Your Kingdom may be proclaimed by all – sharing the same mission and vision. Jesus Reigns!
With the Word of God to guide me
I will learn my whole life long;
with the Spirit here beside me
I’ll be confident and strong
as I work for peace and justice
in my own appointed place,
and I’ll stand among God’s people
till I see God face to face.